VW’s goal was to build a convertible sports car that was affordable, economical and quick, and the numbers for the Bluesport seem to indicate they've achieved their goal. Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbodiesel, the Bluesport develops 180hp and 260lb-ft of torque. This is enough to push the roadster to a top speed of 140mph and send it from 0-60mph in just 6.2 seconds while retaining fuel efficiency of 35mpg in the combined European cycle.
The basic mechanics behind the Bluesport are also sound as the engine is mid-mounted and drives the rear wheels – a departure from VW's "signature" of relying on FWD and AWD powertrains. The transmission is a six-speed dual-clutch unit and is mounted near the front of the car to give it an almost ideal weight distribution of 45:55 front to rear.
The concept has a wheelbase of just 2.43m, sits 1.26m tall and has an overall length of about 4m. In front, the sports car exhibits a track of 1.49m and in the rear it is 1.52m.
Overall, the roadster weighs around 1200kg – light by modern standards but relatively heavy compared to a Lotus Elise and around a hundred kilos more than the latest generation Mazda MX-5. One benefit of the slightly larger size will be more practicality, with the Bluesport capable of holding 182 litres of cargo in two storage areas – one under the front hood and one in the rear.
The new concept will make its debut at this week’s Detroit Auto Show, and show the world the latest iteration of VW’s new hard-edge design language, which was first showcased on the Scirocco coupe and then on the Mark VI Golf.
Reader Comments
Sun Jan 11 2009 12:07 PM
Ken says
Nice car. Add another 100hp and 150 lb-ft and I'm sold.
Sun Jan 11 2009 11:17 PM
Roy says
This car seems like the spiritual successor to the MR2 and a competitor for the Porsche Boxster. The performance figures aren't bad since the car is nice and light. I just hope they've learned from the bug and the Saab 9-3 that you need two latches for a leakproof convertible...
I wonder what new parent Porsche will say about this car. It's bound to steal a few sales from the TT and Boxster. In fact, this is the vision I think they should have had for the last generation Boxster, instead of making a car that is so close to the 911. So will Porsche kill it, use it for themselves (a new economical base Porsche to get their corporate average fuel economy higher) or let VW keep it?
Mon Jan 12 2009 12:26 PM
NaBUru38 says
This car is too close to the Scirocco and Eos. If sold, it should be badged New Beetle.
Sun Jan 25 2009 11:06 PM
Countach says
I kept thinking of this car since I saw it reported here days ago.
If shared with Porsche and Audi, this could means lower pricings too!
If this is greenlight for production, days for the Miata will be numbered!
Can't wait!!!
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